By Laurel Perry
Published Jul 30, 2025
I’m always looking for hands-off dinner ideas that everyone loves, and sausages are always a win. These air fryer brats are my go-to when I don’t feel like babysitting the grill. I just throw them in the air fryer, flip once, and 15 minutes later, they’re ready to eat. The bratwurst comes out juicy on the inside with that perfectly crisp, browned skin I love. I usually layer them with sautéed onions and mustard in a toasted bun, but they’re also great sliced up with toppings for game day or served as an easy appetizer.
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Easy Air Fryer Brats Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how effortless it is—done in under 20 minutes with no mess. Everyone raves about them. Whether I’m hosting friends for game day or pulling together a last-minute weeknight dinner, these brats always disappear fast. The air fryer delivers that juicy, snappy texture you want in a German sausage, with zero mess or grill required. Just toast up your favorite buns, set out a bunch of toppings, and let everyone build their own. It’s an easy win every time.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1x 19 oz package uncooked bratwurst about 5 links
- ▢ 5 hot dog or hoagie buns For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns
- ▢ Toppings of choice: ketchup mustard, sauerkraut, pickles, relish, diced onions, sauteed peppers, pickled jalapeños, etc.
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees. Once preheated, add the brats to the basket. 1x 19 oz package uncooked bratwurst
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. The brats should register 165 degrees in the center when done.
- While the brats cook, prepare your buns and toppings. 5 hot dog or hoagie buns
- Serve hot and enjoy. Toppings of choice: ketchup
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Becky’s Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—leave space for circulation
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Always check internal temp with a meat thermometer (165°F)
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to avoid burns
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Cook Air Fryer Brats Step by Step
Gather the ingredients together: Gather all the ingredients together and preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Add the brats to the basket: Place 1 (19-oz) package of uncooked bratwurst (about 5 links) in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each brat so the air can circulate evenly.
Cook and flip: Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Prepare the toppings and buns while they cook.
Remove the brats: Once the brats reach an internal temperature of 165°F, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serve and enjoy: Add the brats to buns and layer with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
I like to prep my sautéed onions, slice buns, or make my pickled relish ahead of time to make mealtime even easier.
Keep any leftover brats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To bring back that crispy texture, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Or, if you’re in a rush, microwave for about 1 minute.
Cooked bratwurst freezes well—just store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Else Can I Add to Air Fryer Brats
- Caramelized onions – sweet and savory with a hint of char
- Sautéed bell peppers – add color and crunch
- Spicy mustard or beer mustard – for a tangy kick
- Shredded cheese or cheese sauce – melty goodness on top
- Pickled jalapeños – for some heat
- Red cabbage slaw – a crunchy, vinegary contrast
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these brats in toasted buns with all the classic toppings—mustard, sauerkraut, and a big spoonful of my homemade pickle relish . They’re great alongside French fries , potato salad , or anything you’d bring to a BBQ. Whether it’s game day, a summer cookout, or just a weeknight when I don’t feel like cooking, these always hit the spot.
More Easy air fryer recipes
Air Fryer Panko Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Meatballs
Air Fryer Potatoes
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
Air Fryer Brats
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Ingredients
- 1x 19 oz package uncooked bratwurst about 5 links
- 5 hot dog or hoagie buns For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns
- Toppings of choice: ketchup mustard, sauerkraut, pickles, relish, diced onions, sauteed peppers, pickled jalapeños, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees. Once preheated, add the brats to the basket. 1x 19 oz package uncooked bratwurst
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. The brats should register 165 degrees in the center when done.
- While the brats cook, prepare your buns and toppings. 5 hot dog or hoagie buns
- Serve hot and enjoy. Toppings of choice: ketchup
Video
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—leave space for circulation
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Always check internal temp with a meat thermometer (165°F)
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to avoid burns
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
